Disclaimer

Nature of the content

The customs, events, preparation methods and amounts described on this site are provided as general information about Japanese New Year and year-end preparation. While we take care over accuracy, completeness and currency, we do not guarantee them.

New Year customs and event timing (when to put up or take down decorations, kagami biraki, the length of the new-year period, hatsumode timing, and so on), and amounts for otoshidama or gifts, all vary widely by region, household and religious tradition. The information here reflects general guidelines, not a single correct answer. Please defer to your own family and local customs when making decisions.

About dates such as new year card delivery

Dates such as the start of new year card acceptance and the posting deadline for New Year's Day delivery shift from year to year. Please check Japan Post's official announcement for the year before acting. For osechi mail-order reservation deadlines and delivery dates, please check the latest information from each retailer.

Food and cooking information

Descriptions relating to food, such as osechi, ozoni and toshikoshi soba, are general information. Please take particular care with safety matters such as mochi choking risk, and use your own judgement based on health conditions, allergies and your household's circumstances. In a suspected emergency, please contact emergency services (119 in Japan) immediately, regardless of the information on this site.

About the tools' results

Results from the Year-End Prep Countdown, Year-End Cleaning Checklist and Otoshidama Amount Guide are reference information based on the conditions you enter. Please make your own decisions based on your circumstances and your family's or region's customs.

About products and services

For the content, pricing, specifications and availability of products and services linked from this site (Amazon, Rakuten, advertisers' sites, etc.), please check the latest information on the linked page. Purchases and contracts are made at the user's own discretion and responsibility, and this site is not liable for any transactions or issues arising on linked sites.

Liability

This site is not liable for any damages arising from the use of information on this site. Thank you for your understanding.